That Happened?

According to manager Aaron Boone, top prospect Clint Frazier is still dealing with concussion symptoms. This is troubling news even if the organization believes “he is heading the right direction.” Frazier has only played in 63 games this year between AAA and the Majors because of concussion symptoms and one has to wonder if this will continue to be a reoccurring issue.

Manager Dave Roberts said that Ross Stripling and Kenta Maeda have been moved to the bullpen. With Maeda approaching a career high in innings and Stripling already past his, they will protect them by changing their roles as Alex Wood and Hyun-Jin Ryu both are ready to return from the disabled list and to the rotation.

Tyler Glasnow threw five innings versus the Blue Jays, allowing one run while striking out six. Since being acquired by the Rays in the Chris Archer deal, Glasnow has thrown 13 innings in three starts and only allowed three earned runs, but has struck out 20 and only walked three. The biggest concern for Glanow has always been the ability to repeat his mechanics. Being 6’8”, Glasnow can get out of whack mechanically, but so far he has been able to maintain them. The ceiling is high for Glasnow and if the Rays can help him harness his stuff, he could become the player many thought he would a few years ago.

Chase Anderson threw four innings on Sunday versus the Braves, allowing four runs on five hits. Anderson really struggled with his velocity after the second innings and he wouldn’t last much after that. Anderson took a huge step forward last season for the Brewers, but hasn’t been able to maintain those gains. The improvements came on the back of a velocity spike that he has not been able to replicate. Without the velocity, he can struggle to keep the ball in the yard and hitters off balance enough to keep them guessing. Right now there isn’t too much be encouraged by.

Ronald Acuna went 1-for-3 with a home run versus the Brewers. While Juan Soto gets all the publicity, has quietly put up a very strong rookie campaign, hitting .271/.328/.522 with 15 home runs and seven stolen bases. Acuna was a highly touted prospect coming into the year, but he missed time with the Braves wanting to hold down his future contract and getting injured. Soto likely will be the guy everyone pays attention to, but Acuna is the fantasy star that is likely a first round pick for years to come very soon.

What We’ll Be Watching Today

Former top pitching prospects Sean Reid-Foley and Touki Toussaint make their MLB debuts today. Reid-Foley will take the mound for the Blue Jay in Kansas City versus the Royals. He possess a plus curve with an above average fastball and has made strides this year with his command, which was what dropped him in prospect rankings in recent seasons. Toussaint also has a plus curveball to go with a plus fastball, but can struggle with command as well. However, he also has made adjustment to limit walks and faces off against the lowly Marlins at home for the Braves.

The Blue Jays are also calling up Danny Jansen . Jansen is arguably the top catching prospect in the game right now and has hit .275/.390/.473 with 12 home runs in AAA this season. He possesses good control of the strike zone and has developing power. He is worth a look in 2-catcher formats.

Jacob deGrom versus Luis Severino (swoon.)

Madison Bumgarner versus Clayton Kershaw (2016 swoon.)

Sean Manaea faces off against the Mariners. Manaea has been very good this year, but it is buoyed a bit by the no-hitter he threw in April and he has not racked up the strikeouts like he previously had. Manaea is the best piece in the A’s rotation, but needs to make changes to breakout in fantasy.

Baseball. Lots of baseball.